Choose the right Nordkapp heater for your use

Nordkapp diesel heater buyer's guide

Choose the right Nordkapp heater for your use

Start with the heating output, choose the right heater family for the space or system, and then select the control and altitude versions that fit how you use it.

1. Choose the heater size2. Choose Air, Cube or Aqua3. Choose the control version4. Choose Normal or High Altitude

Quick recommendation table

What size diesel heater do I need?

For most campervans travelling in Southern and Central Europe, 2 kW is our recommended starting point. Move up when the heated space, heat loss or winter conditions demand more capacity.

Vehicle and use
Recommended size
Small or medium camper van
2 kWRecommended
Ducato / Boxer / Jumper / Sprinter - normal European travel
2 kWRecommended
Full-size camper - Southern or Central Europe
2 kWRecommended
Full-size camper - occasional winter use
2 kW or 5 kWCheck conditions
Full-size camper - regular Alpine / cold winter use
5 kWCold weather
Full-size camper - regular Nordic winter use
5 kWCold weather
Camper - demanding Nordic / Lapland winter
8 kWDemanding winter
Medium motorhome
5 kW
Large motorhome / demanding winter use
8 kWDemanding winter

2 kW vs 5 kW vs 8 kW

Start with your real operating conditions

More output is not automatically better. Choose for the space you heat, the quality of insulation and the coldest conditions you use regularly.

Additional winter capacity5 kW

Regular cold-weather use

Additional capacity for full-size campers, motorhomes and regular Alpine or Nordic winter travel.

Best fit: Regular winter use and medium motorhomes.

Maximum winter capacity8 kW

Demanding Nordic winter

Consider for large heated spaces and demanding winter camping, including severe Lapland conditions.

Best fit: Large motorhomes or demanding Nordic winter use.

Choose the heater family

Which Nordkapp model is right for you?

First choose what you need to heat and how the heater should be installed. Control method is a separate decision covered in the next section.

Installed air heating

Nordkapp Air

A fixed-installation air heater family for vehicles and boats, available in several power outputs and control versions.

CampervansVehiclesBoats
Heating method
Direct warm air
Best suited to
Campervans, motorhomes, commercial vehicles and boats.
Why choose it
Flexible fixed installation with 2 kW, 5 kW and 8 kW options and a choice of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth or GSM control.

Air can also heat garages and cabins, but for these spaces we usually recommend Cube first because it is easier to install and use.

Cube GSM 4G/5G 5kW & 8kW Diesel Air Heater

All-in-one air heating

Nordkapp Cube

A packaged diesel air heater designed to make heating fixed spaces more straightforward.

GaragesWorkshopsCabins
Heating method
Direct warm air in an integrated package
Best suited to
Garages, workshops, cabins and other spaces where easy installation and everyday use are priorities.
Why choose it
The packaged design reduces the need to build a separate vehicle-style heater installation around the unit.

For garages and cabins, Cube is our primary recommendation over a separately installed Air model because it is generally easier to set up and use.

Aqua GSM 4G/5G 5kW 12V Diesel/Gasoline Liquid Water Heater

Liquid coolant heating

Nordkapp Aqua

A liquid heater designed primarily for preheating an engine and its coolant circuit.

Engine preheatingCoolant systemsVehicles
Heating method
Engine coolant / liquid circuit
Best suited to
Preheating vehicle engines and coolant systems before starting or operation.
Why choose it
Aqua heats circulating liquid instead of directly blowing warm air, making it the correct family when the primary need is engine or coolant preheating.

Aqua can also form part of a suitable water-heating system with the correct additional components, but we sell and recommend it primarily for engine heating.

Choose the control version

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth or GSM 4G?

The control version adds another way to connect to the heater. It does not replace the physical control panel supplied with the heater.

Every heater also works directly from its control panel

No app, Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth connection or mobile network is required for normal operation. You can start, stop and adjust the heater directly from the physical control panel. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GSM are optional additional control methods.

01
BluetoothLocal wireless control

Connect directly while you are near the heater. Bluetooth does not require a mobile network or local Wi-Fi connection.

  • Simple local app control
  • No internet connection required
  • Physical control panel still works normally

Choose this if: you want straightforward app control mainly from inside or near the vehicle, boat or building.

03
GSM 4GRemote control through the 4G mobile network

With an active compatible SIM card and mobile-network coverage, you can start, stop and control the heater remotely from anywhere without local Wi-Fi. The physical control panel also works without a mobile connection.

  • Remote start and stop from any distance
  • Requires an active compatible SIM card
  • No local Wi-Fi network required
  • Physical control panel always available

Choose this if: you want remote control from anywhere and the heater location has 4G mobile-network coverage.

Availability varies by model. Check the selected product page to confirm which control versions are offered for that heater family and power output.

Choose the altitude version

Normal Altitude or High Altitude?

Higher elevation changes the amount of oxygen available for combustion. Choose the version that covers the highest elevations you may realistically travel to.

Standard choice
0-2,500 m

Normal Altitude

The normal version is designed for regular use from sea level up to 2,500 metres.

  • Suitable for lowlands and normal European travel
  • Choose when your routes remain below 2,500 m
  • Lower purchase price

Choose this version if: you know the heater will be used only below 2,500 metres.

+
If mountain travel is possible, High Altitude is the safer future-proof choice

The small additional cost buys more travel flexibility and can make the vehicle more attractive to a future buyer who plans to travel in mountain regions. Resale value is not guaranteed, but broader capability can be a useful selling point.

Plan the installation

Do I need any accessories?

Many accessories are optional, but the right ones can make installation easier and help the heater suit the way you use your space.

A complete basic installation kit is included

Every Nordkapp heater we sell includes the basic installation kit needed for a standard complete installation. Additional accessories are useful depending on the installation location and how you want to use the heater.

-30%
Save 30% on selected accessories with your heater

Choose eligible accessories at the bottom of the heater product page and receive 30% off those accessories when purchased together with the heater.

5 m control panel extension cables
01

5 m control panel extension cables

Adds 5 metres to the control-panel connection so the panel can be placed where it is easiest to see and use. The heater's standard control-panel cable is approximately 2 metres. Connectors differ by control version, so choose the exact GSM, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi + Bluetooth cable for your heater.

Useful when: the supplied cable does not reach your preferred control-panel location.
Air Share Kits
02

Air Share Kits

Split and distribute warm air from your diesel air heater to multiple areas. Choose the dedicated 60 mm T&T kit for 2 kW heaters or the T&Y kit designed for 5 kW and 8 kW heaters. In both kits, the flexible tube measures approximately 30 cm folded and 50 cm extended.

Useful when: you want to direct heated air to separate spaces in a motorhome, cabin or workspace.
Model-specific remote controls
03

Model-specific remote controls

Operate the heater without opening a phone app. The compact GSM and Bluetooth Air remotes provide on/off and temperature adjustment from approximately 30 metres. Choose the remote made for your heater's control version.

Useful when: you want a simple pocket-sized controller for nearby use without a phone or app.
ThermoLink smart remote
04

ThermoLink smart remote

A wireless smart remote with an integrated thermostat for more accurate temperature control where the remote is located. It provides nearby Bluetooth control and, when connected over Wi-Fi, can control the heater remotely from anywhere without a phone or app. Compatible only with Nordkapp Wi-Fi + Bluetooth and Bluetooth Gen 3 heaters; not compatible with GSM or older Bluetooth models. Currently available for pre-order.

Useful when: you have a compatible Wi-Fi + Bluetooth or Bluetooth Gen 3 heater and want smarter temperature sensing and remote control.
Heat-resistant mounting base plate
05

Heat-resistant mounting base plate

The standard plate supplied with Nordkapp Air heaters is intended for installation through a metal floor. This additional heat-resistant base plate is required when mounting through wood, plastic, composite or another heat-sensitive floor and is compatible with 2 kW, 5 kW and 8 kW Air heaters.

Useful when: the heater installation passes through a non-metal or heat-sensitive floor.
Stainless-steel external mount box
06

Stainless-steel external mount box

A size-specific stainless-steel enclosure for installing a diesel air heater outside or underneath the vehicle. It shields the heater from rain, snow, dirt and road debris and includes pre-cut ports for the required connections. Available for 2 kW and 5/8 kW heaters.

Useful when: you need a protected external or underbody installation.

Check compatibility before ordering. Extension cables and remote controls are model-specific. Choose the product made for your exact heater control version or ask our team to confirm compatibility.

Installation support

Who can install a Nordkapp heater?

Choose the installation route that matches your practical experience and the complexity of your vehicle.

Self-installation

Install it yourself

You can install a Nordkapp heater yourself if you are comfortable using basic tools and have practical hands-on skills. Follow the installation manual step by step. Fuel, exhaust, combustion-air and electrical connections must be routed and secured correctly; use professional help whenever you are unsure.

Professional installation

Use a caravan workshop or vehicle service centre

Any caravan workshop or vehicle service centre experienced in installing diesel heaters can fit a Nordkapp heater. Ask the installer to follow the Nordkapp installation instructions and all applicable vehicle requirements.

More than 100 registered Nordkapp installers

Our registered installer and service network helps customers find experienced professional installation and maintenance support across Europe.

Find a Nordkapp installer
Nordkapp installer network map

Frequently asked questions

Still deciding? Start here.

Quick answers to the most common questions about heater size, model, controls, altitude versions and installation.

What size diesel heater should I choose?

For most campervans travelling in Southern and Central Europe, 2 kW is the recommended starting point, including many full-size Ducato, Boxer, Jumper and Sprinter conversions. Choose 5 kW for regular cold-weather use and consider 8 kW for large spaces or demanding Nordic and Lapland winter conditions.

Compare 2 kW, 5 kW and 8 kW
Can I use the heater without Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a phone?

Yes. Every Nordkapp heater works directly from its physical control panel. You can start, stop and adjust the heater without Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a mobile network, a phone or an app. Wireless control is an optional additional way to operate it.

See the control options
What is the difference between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth and GSM 4G?

Bluetooth is intended for local control near the heater. A Wi-Fi + Bluetooth model can be controlled from anywhere when the heater remains connected to an internet-enabled Wi-Fi network. GSM 4G provides remote control through the mobile network and requires an active compatible SIM card and mobile coverage.

Compare control versions
Should I choose Nordkapp Air, Cube or Aqua?

Choose Air for fixed warm-air heating in vehicles and boats. Cube is the easier all-in-one choice for garages, workshops and cabins. Aqua heats a liquid coolant circuit and is recommended primarily for engine preheating rather than direct warm-air heating.

Compare heater families
Do I need the Normal or High Altitude version?

Normal Altitude is designed for use from sea level to 2,500 metres. High Altitude operates from sea level to 5,500 metres and is the more flexible choice if mountain travel is possible now or later.

Compare altitude versions
Does the heater include everything needed for installation?

Every Nordkapp heater we sell includes the basic installation kit needed for a standard complete installation. Optional accessories may still be useful or required depending on the mounting surface, heater location, airflow layout and preferred control-panel position.

See installation accessories
Who can install a Nordkapp heater?

You can install a Nordkapp heater yourself if you are comfortable using basic tools, have practical hands-on skills and follow the installation manual carefully. Fuel, exhaust, combustion-air and electrical connections must be routed and secured correctly, so use professional help whenever you are unsure.

A Nordkapp heater can also be installed by any caravan workshop or vehicle service centre experienced in diesel-heater installations. In addition, our European network includes more than 100 registered Nordkapp installers and service points.

Find a registered Nordkapp installer

Are spare parts available, and can Nordkapp heaters be serviced?

Yes. A full range of common spare parts for Nordkapp heaters can be ordered from us. When appropriate, you can service the heater yourself with our instructions and step-by-step videos.

Alternatively, you can take the heater to a service point shown on our installer and service map. Always contact the workshop in advance to confirm that it can service your heater and to arrange the work.

Find an installer or service point

Can I distribute warm air to more than one space?

Yes. Nordkapp offers a dedicated 60 mm Air Share Kit T&T for 2 kW heaters and a separate Air Share Kit T&Y for 5 kW and 8 kW heaters. Choose the kit that matches your heater output.

View the Air Share Kits
Can a diesel air heater be installed outside or underneath the vehicle?

Yes, when the installation is planned correctly and the heater is protected in a suitable external mounting enclosure. The stainless-steel Nordkapp external mount box is available in versions for 2 kW and 5/8 kW heaters and protects the unit from weather and road debris.

See the external mounting option
Which heaters are compatible with ThermoLink?

ThermoLink is compatible only with Nordkapp Wi-Fi + Bluetooth and Bluetooth Gen 3 heaters. It is not compatible with GSM heaters or older Bluetooth models.

Read about ThermoLink
Are Nordkapp diesel heaters road legal in Europe and the UK?

Yes. Approved Nordkapp road-vehicle heater models are engineered and independently laboratory-tested to meet the relevant UN ECE approval requirements: R122 for vehicle heating systems and combustion heaters, and R10 for electromagnetic compatibility. These approvals provide the certification needed for a road-legal vehicle installation in the EU and UK.

Road-legal status applies to the approved heater model as part of a correctly completed installation. The heater must be installed in accordance with its instructions and all applicable national, inspection and vehicle-specific requirements.

Why should a diesel heater be certified for road-legal use?

A diesel heater is a fuel-burning appliance installed in or on a vehicle. UN ECE R122 sets safety and installation requirements for vehicle heating systems and combustion heaters, while R10 addresses electromagnetic compatibility with the vehicle and its electrical systems.

An uncertified heater or a non-compliant installation can prevent the vehicle installation from being road legal and can also make it unsafe. If a fire, electrical fault or other loss occurs, the insurer may investigate the heater and its installation. Depending on the policy, local law and whether the modification contributed to the loss, missing approval or incorrect installation may result in a reduced or refused insurance payment. Certification is therefore not just paperwork: it supports road-legal compliance, safety and your position with the insurer. Keep the approval documents, installation records and receipts, and notify your insurer when required.

How is a Nordkapp heater different from a typical low-cost 'Chinese diesel heater'?

A Nordkapp heater is not simply a generic heater with a different badge. Nordkapp road-vehicle heaters are engineered to meet Europe's strict UN ECE R122 and R10 approval requirements and are independently laboratory-tested for road-legal vehicle installation when fitted correctly.

Nordkapp heaters also use carefully selected, higher-quality components and installation accessories. The exhaust system and silencer are designed for quieter operation, and the complete installation kit includes the highly praised Nordkapp SuperSilent fuel pump, developed to reduce the repetitive ticking noise associated with a conventional diesel-heater dosing pump.

With Nordkapp, the difference is the complete package: verifiable road-legal approvals, tested construction, quieter components, a comprehensive installation kit and support from a specialist heater brand.

Who is Nordkapp?

Nordkapp is a Finnish heating brand. Our heaters are designed in Finland for Nordic and European winters and engineered to pass Europe's strict UN ECE R122 and R10 type-approval requirements.

Our factory is located in China. We currently stock products in Poland, Germany, Spain, Finland and the United Kingdom, enabling very fast delivery of in-stock heaters across Europe.

How fast is delivery?

We stock products in Poland, Germany, Spain, Finland and the United Kingdom. Orders are shipped from the warehouse that provides the fastest delivery to the customer, and orders placed before 14:00 are normally dispatched on the same day.

Delivery of in-stock products is typically 1-4 business days in many of our closest European markets. Exact estimates depend on the destination: the current country-specific delivery times range from 1-3 business days in Finland, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom to 5-8 business days for some more distant destinations.

During unusually high demand, special sales events or an inventory discrepancy, an order may be shipped from an alternative warehouse and take a few days longer.

For pre-order heaters, the estimated arrival date at our warehouse is shown on the relevant pre-order product page. These dates are estimates and can be affected by transport providers, weather and other events outside our control.

View full country-specific shipping information

Still not sure which heater to choose?

Tell our team about your vehicle, heated space and typical travel conditions, and we will help you narrow down the right option.

Contact Nordkapp

Choose with confidence

Ready to choose your Nordkapp heater?

Compare the available heater families, power outputs and control versions, or ask our team to review your intended use.

This buyer's guide is general guidance. Heated space, insulation, air leakage, altitude, installation and expected minimum temperatures can change the right choice.